Li Long drove Ma Xiaoyan back to the County Party Committee Compound, then hurried back to his own courtyard.
He had taken one person on the trip out and brought back a whole carload of things. There was still plenty to sort out once he got home.
The sun had not yet set, but the workday was already over, and the roads were full of people hurrying home. Only some schoolchildren lingered to play after school, chasing and tussling along the roads and at alley entrances, tireless as they enjoyed their happy childhood days.
Although material goods were scarce, the children's inner worlds were rich. With homemade wire slingshots or long, straight twigs they had picked up in their hands, they laughed and played.
Li Long felt a little envious, then quickly drove on to the courtyard gate.
As he passed the Purchasing Station, he noticed no one was there. Presumably, people coming to sell things saw the large iron gate locked, realized the owner was out, and did not linger.
The Jeep had barely reached the courtyard gate when he heard Han Fang's voice inside:
"My uncle's back! I heard the car... I'll open the gate!"
Hurried footsteps followed, then the gate opened to reveal Han Fang's smiling little face.
Li Long smiled and nodded at her, then drove into the courtyard. Gu Boyuan stood beside the Bed Wagon watching Mingming and Haohao. After Li Long parked and got out, he smelled the rich aroma of stewed fish.
Fresh fish really did smell good.
"Not bad today. You're back quite early." Gu Boyuan nodded like a commentator. "Went into the mountains again?"
"Yes, to go into the mountains and watch them wash the sheep." Li Long opened the trunk and let the Fawn out. These two Fawns were slightly